A SOUTHAMPTON pub is being taken over by a major chain as part of a million-pound redevelopment scheme which could bring 50 jobs to the city.

The Red Lion Pub in Bitterne is set for a transformation as hospitality giant JD Wetherspoon is set to take over the bar.

If planning permission goes through JD Wetherspoon will invest £1.6m to redevelop the site.

This rejuvenation of the pub will create at least 50 jobs for people across Southampton - but regulars at the Red Lion have said they are heartbroken and will refuse to use the pub once it's changed hands.

A spokesman for JD Wetherspoon said: “We have exchanged to purchase the pub but it needs planning and licensing permission which we don’t have yet.

“The redevelopment would take at least three months and it will look completely different to how it does now, a whole new design."

JD Wetherspoon has made a planning application to Southampton City Council and the deadline for objections is August 4.

The application is for a new entrance canopy with an external balcony area above on the first floor as well as a three storey rear extension above the existing single story flat roofed extensions.

A barmaid at Red Lion said: "We know it's supposed to be happening but none of us know any definite plans. It's a real shame and I don't think there will be a place for any of the staff after it changes hands because they have major refurbishment plans which will take time that we can't afford to be out of work. It's sad for the landlord because he has been here for 37 years but I'm sure it will bring plenty of business to the area because it will be cheaper."

It is understood the redevelopments will include a 40ft bar and the upstairs, which is currently a flat used by landlord Paul Cornwall, will become an extension of the pub for people to dine and drink upstairs.

The announcement comes six months after the Daily Echo revealed that JD Wetherspoon had set its sights on Hampshire as part of plans to create more than 15,000 jobs by opening 200 new pubs across the UK in the next five years.

Southampton Itchen MP Royston Smith said: "It's actually more welcome news than another local pub being shut down to become a supermarket.

Daily Echo:

"I know the pub and it's been there forever but it's up to the owners and hopefully it will have good management and it will be an asset for Bitterne."

Regular Red Lion customer, Jeff Porter from Merryoak said: "I've been coming here for more than 20 years and it just won't be the same. I've always loved it here for how friendly everyone is and we all have a laugh and I don't think that would happen if it turned into a chain."

Jan Drain from Bursledon added: "At first it will go mad because all the younger people will come to try it and then it will hopefully settle, the regulars always make a pub - particularly this one it's like a community and I don't think it would survive without those people who are loyal to coming here."